Cornette was a native of Tampa, FL, born to the proud parents, Lillie C.
and Henry T. Miller. She grew up surround by family and friends in “THE
WEST” of Tampa Bay. Her immediate family consisted of seven sisters and
five bothers. With a large family she would always have something to
celebrate which had to include her love of dancing and singing to old
school music. She also loved all kinds of sports and played basketball
and ran track.

After graduating from Blake High School, Class of 1969, she would move
on to join the FAMU Rattlers family. While attending Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) a historically black
university (HBCU) in Tallahassee, FL, she would become an avid Rattler
fan; graduating in 1974 with a Minor in Sociology, Major in Computer
Science.

Shortly after college, Cornette began a career with the Hillsborough
County School Board, then transferred to the City of Tampa as a
Administrative for over 20 years.

She married Mr. Wayne Thomas and together they reared 7 children; 5
boys and 2 girls. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends,
traveling, and going to church, where she branded the phrase "Say what
you mean, and Mean what you say”.

She is preceded in death by: her parents; sisters, Rose Marie Smith,
Jeanette & Annette Spires; and brothers, Edgar Spires, and Mayfield
Spires.